Human Rights and Equity Commission outlines goals and community engagement strategies

The Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC) held a virtual meeting on August 27, 2025, focusing on the upcoming presentation to the city council and the commission's ongoing initiatives. The meeting emphasized the importance of centering community voices in their work and highlighted the commission's successes and future goals.

A key discussion point was the preparation for a presentation to the city council, which aims to showcase the commission's achievements and outline future projects, particularly through the AEM equity lens. The presenters stressed the need for the commission to find its rhythm and effectively communicate its objectives, ensuring that the voices of both commissioners and the community are represented.

Commissioners discussed the significance of their work in addressing broader societal issues, such as racism and community safety, and how these factors influence their engagement with local government. They highlighted recent successes, including participation in community events and advocacy for policies affecting vulnerable populations, such as the unhoused community.

The meeting also touched on the AIM equity tool, which is being refined to better integrate equity considerations into the commission's work. This tool will be presented to the council in January, with ongoing discussions about how to align it with the HREC's objectives.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed gratitude for their collaborative efforts and the direction they are heading. They plan to continue their work on community engagement initiatives, including preparations for Welcoming Week, and will reconvene to discuss additional resources and strategies in future meetings. The commission's annual budget was confirmed to be $5,000, which will support their ongoing efforts in promoting human rights and equity in Bend.